AUTUMN AWAITS Ideas for Your Fall Bucket List
After a summer spent adventuring outdoors, you may feel like turning into a pumpkin come fall. But fall is full of uniquely enjoyable opportunities. From brewing cider to hanging up creepy Halloween decorations, here are three bucket-worthy activities that make the most of autumnal creativity and coziness. APPLE PICKING FOR APPLE CIDER Apple picking season starts in the waning days of summer before ending in October, making September the best time to visit a local orchard. Whether you’re in Alaska, Wyoming, or almost any state in between alphabetically, pick-your-own apple orchards offer you and your friends the chance to get back out in nature, exercise, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Best of
all? Apples are the easiest fruit to pick, and the reward is a delicious, ready-to- eat snack or an ingredient in a refreshing beverage. Ground-up apples are the base ingredient for apple cider, a delicious drink that epitomizes the greatness of fall! BLAZING BONFIRE Now that summer is spent, a good, old- fashioned bonfire is in order. Whether making s’mores or sharing ghost stories, a bonfire is a recipe for a good time with friends, family, and the occasional apparition. HORRIFYING HALLOWEEN HOME We have all seen the homes on the block with bare lawns and dark porches during Halloween. But what’s the fun in that? If that was your home last year, now is the perfect
time to turn it around and embrace the most macabre, creative ideas for decking out your home — inside and out. From creatively posed skeletons to a front porch full of jack- o’-lanterns, there is no shortage of simple, scary props to adorn your home. If you have never carved a jack-o’-lantern, it should be on your bucket list — not just for fall. See how far you can take Halloween this year!
Protect Your Smile UNDERSTANDING THE LINK BETWEEN STRESS AND ORAL HEALTH
Stress strikes all of us at one point or another in our lives. While most of us know that it can affect our mental and physical well-being, there’s something many aren’t aware of: It can potentially impact our oral health. TEETH GRINDING AND JAW CLENCHING Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it (bruxism), but the effects
can be damaging. Persistent grinding can wear down tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity, chipped teeth, and tooth loss. It can also contribute to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which cause pain and discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles. GUM DISEASE Stress weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, including those in the gums. Chronic stress can lead to an increased risk of gum disease (periodontitis), which, if left untreated, can result in tooth loss and other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. People under stress are also more likely to neglect their oral hygiene routines, increasing gum disease risk. DRY MOUTH Stress can sometimes lead to changes in lifestyle habits, such as increased smoking, alcohol consumption, or even taking certain medications, all of which can cause dry mouth. Saliva is essential in keeping your mouth healthy by neutralizing acids and
washing away leftover food particles. Without enough saliva, your mouth can become a breeding ground for bacteria. ORAL INFECTIONS AND CANKER SORES Stress can also trigger painful mouth sores, like canker sores, making eating and speaking uncomfortable. It may also contribute to fungal infections like oral thrush, especially if you take antibiotics or corticosteroids to manage stress-related health conditions.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MOUTH FROM STRESS
Practice stress-reducing techniques such as exercise, meditation, and proper sleep to maintain good oral health. It’s also important to stick to your oral hygiene routine, even during periods of stress. Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups help prevent stress- related dental issues. If you notice signs of stress impacting your oral health, such as jaw pain, sensitive teeth, or gum problems, set up an appointment at our office! Early intervention can prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.
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